Leeds Conservatoire welcomed the opportunity to partner with Underneath The Stars festival for the first time in 2022. Underneath The Stars is an annual music and arts festival, established in 2014, developed to provide a platform for both emerging acts and established artists and to deliver new experiences and adventures for all ages.
This year’s festival took place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 July at Cinderhill Farm, near Barnsley. The headline acts were Imelda May, Kate Rusby and Suzanne Vega.
As part of the partnership, festival-long paid placements were available for Leeds Conservatoire students. The artist liaison placements involved working with festival staff, providing important backstage support to ensure that everything artist-related ran smoothly. The stage management placements involved delivering the show to a high standard, helping the team to handle artists and to set up equipment in accordance with the specifications in technical riders.
Mia Jade performing at Underneath the Stars festival. Photo credit: Eliot Barley
Songwriting student Mia Jade performed on the Cosmic Curiosity Stage on Saturday 30 July. Mia has wowed crowds at multiple festivals this summer - find out more about Mia in our Sound City 2022 feature.
Abbey Thomas workshop at Underneath the Stars festival 2022. Photo credit: Eliot Barley
Also on the Saturday, Leeds Conservatoire hosted two practical workshops: Introduction to Old-Time and Bluegrass led by final-year Folk student Abbey Thomas; Introduction to Blues Harmonica led by Folk Lecturer Mat Walklate. Mat introduced playing Blues on the diatonic harmonica, covering basic technique and theory, and simple tips and tricks to enable everyone to play a few tunes. Abbey explored the roots of Bluegrass and Old-Time music, discussing the musical elements involved within these genres and learning a tune or two.
Mat Walklate workshop at Underneath the Stars festival 2022. Photo credit: Eliot Barley
James Warrender, Employability and Enterprise Manager at Leeds Conservatoire, said, “It’s been brilliant to partner with a seasoned, family friendly local festival that champions new artists and the best from folk and roots genres. The opportunities to deliver workshops, have students placed in supporting roles, and for artists to take the stage are invaluable to those looking to gain early career momentum.”
The festival’s final day, Sunday 31 July, included a performance on the Little Lights Stage from Folk graduate and emerging artist Iona Lane.
